Armida Rivera to University of Science and Arts of Chiapas

In January 2019, Armida Rivera was appointed professor at the University of Science and Arts of Chiapas in Mexico. This appointment makes her the first female trumpet professor at a major university in Mexico.

Since arriving at the school, Rivera has started a brass choir, brass quintet, trombone choir, and trumpet ensemble.

Rivera earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Baja California under the tutelage of John McFerran Wilds. Later she obtained the CONACYT-FINBA and The Fulbright Garcia-Robles scholarships to pursue a master’s degree at Ithaca College, where she studied with Dr. Kim Dunnick. She is presently completing a doctoral degree at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, studying under Alan Siebert and Philip Collins. She hopes to become the first Mexican to earn a doctoral degree in trumpet performance.

Rivera conducts the USAC Brass Ensemble

Rivera has played with symphony orchestras including Jalisco Philharmonic and Baja California Orchestra in Mexico, Kentucky Symphony and Queen City Orchestra in U.S.A.. She has participated at international music festivals and conferences collaborating with composers, teaching and playing recitals. An avid educator, Armida has played recitals and taught master classes at the University of Science and Arts of Chiapas and at the University Autonomous of Mexico in Mexico. She has also played as soloist with Tijuana Camerata, Baja California Wind Band, Baja California Orchestra and UABC-Symphony Orchestra. She collaborates closely with numerous composers contributing to expand the repertoire of the trumpet, and has premiered new pieces with Baja California Orchestra, Ensemble X, CCM Chamber Players, New Music Ensemble-UABC, Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, and as a soloist.

In 2018, Armida became became the first Bach Brass & Conn – Selmer endorsed artist in Mexico (classical music). In early 2019, Armida was invited to be part of the Conn-Selmer Educational Program as a Clinician in both Mexico and USA.

(Source: Armida Rivera)